Rush Into Dawn

Chapter 14

Come in, come in Commander Radiz, glad to see you again," the Rejiz greeted the soldier directly off the elevator, ignoring his usual practice of making visitors wait and take in the grandeur of the tower as a way to subtly intimidate and establish his position as the true leader of the Given.

"Rejiz, always a pleasure though can I assume you have asked me here to, without staff by the way I see - most unusual, to discuss our most intriguing citizen? Of course you have but I'm not sure what I can tell you, all missions on the Syb home world are highly classified."

"Yes, of course, Commander, this latest chapter was a stunning display of power and indecision on both sides, perhaps precipitated by the continuing madness of Gellen's participation in our affairs? Might we be rethinking that, Commander, and of course I mean that in only an advisory way. After all, any additional incidents might be seen as a significant, maybe even fatal failure of leadership."

"I cannot in any way confirm your version or characterization of events, Rejiz, as I am sure you well understand, but your concern is duly noted. Most kind of you to be invested in my well-being, but would you really suggest we deny Gargan's Right of the Banished, his ability to continue to participate in the ongoing rise of the Given. This has never been done no matter what the crime, and to do it first to the Awakener? It would seem to be designed to stir the anger of the Gods themselves. Surely even you would not take that lightly?"

"What Gellen has become, and what you continue to make him, bears no resemblance to the Awakener, Radiz, surely you can see that. The madness closed around him long ago and his barbaric efforts to extend his life are deeply disturbing and are destroying his soul. Is that not now painfully obvious? But it shall be your decision. Hopefully you and your Musa brethren will make it well. Gellen has shown his intentions clearly Commander - that is now known by all who need to know it. He is deeply dangerous and a grave threat from where I stand. What would he have done had he been able to escape into orbit? I'm not sure any of us has the slightest idea and that is worrisome."

"What would have me do Rejiz, a public sacrifice, exposing our collective deception for the entire Given world and beyond to see? Would that not be worse than the trivial discomfort of his periodic escape attempts, even, and may I dare say especially, for the Rija? These attempts are all doomed from the start, of course, he would not have cleared orbit under any circumstances. We had multiple locks and enough firepower to kill him 10 times over."

"Is that so? One would have thought his ability to even freely fly a stolen transport would have been "doomed from the start" as well if we listen to our Illuta friends brag about the implants. Their certainty always seems to have an uncertain quality to it in the end, wouldn't you say? I wonder why that is? Hopefully you will not fall prey to their conceit, Commander. I shall meditate on that tonight for some period. Anyway, you have my advice, make of it what you will, and perhaps explain to me the even bigger problem of what happens to Jehz at this juncture."

"He has been fully debriefed, Rejiz, and by all accounts understands the gravity of the information now in his possession. He is a true Musa still, the son of his father, and has my complete trust and support." The Rejiz could only stare at the Commander, amazed at the ability of military leadership's unceasing attempts to project control under conditions that would not possibly allow it. In fact, the more uncertain the situation seemed, the more absolute their tone became. Quite amazing thought the Rejiz to himself, perhaps that will be the actual subject for my meditation tonight. There is something instructive there indeed.

"Jehz's decisions on the planet surface were well drawn in our opinion, Rejiz, and he deserves no rebuke. Quite the opposite, in fact, he balanced the various contradictory elements of this situation in a manner well beyond his experience and rank, especially considering his special circumstances."

The Rejiz glanced at his guest, trying to gauge his tone. Feeling the Commander was still defensive and trying too hard to rigidly control the dialogue, he decided to lighten the mood.

"A result no doubt due to his Rija training, Commander, perhaps we should consider creating a program for all Musa officers to partake in?" The Rejiz smiled to ensure the alarm in the Commander's eyes never rose to true discomfort.

Seeing the smile, the Commander relaxed and offered a conciliatory response. "It has proven to be beneficial to Jehz, Rejiz, there is no doubt of that. I'll be sure to make a note that all officers that have been kidnapped and encased in an irremovable, indestructible exo be sent your way immediately."

"Fair enough, Commander, fair enough, now let's pour a drink and you can finish explaining to me your plans for our prize pupil."